Judges 5:7
Judges 5:7 in Multiple Translations
Life in the villages ceased; it ended in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel.
The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
The rulers ceased in Israel, they ceased, Until that I Deborah arose, That I arose a mother in Israel.
Country towns were no more in Israel, ***were no more, till you, Deborah, came up, till you came up as a mother in Israel.
Village life in Israel was abandoned until I, Deborah, came on the scene as a mother in Israel.
The townes were not inhabited: they decayed, I say, in Israel, vntill I Deborah came vp, which rose vp a mother in Israel.
Villages ceased in Israel — they ceased, Till that I arose — Deborah, That I arose, a mother in Israel.
The rulers ceased in Israel. They ceased until I, Deborah, arose; Until I arose a mother in Israel.
The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
The valiant men ceased, and rested in Israel: until Debbora arose, a mother arose in Israel.
People left their small villages, and moved into the walled cities until I, Deborah, became their leader. I became like a mother to the Israeli people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 5:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 5:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָדְל֧וּ
פְרָז֛וֹן
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
עַ֤ד
שַׁ/קַּ֨מְתִּי֙
דְּבוֹרָ֔ה
שַׁ/קַּ֥מְתִּי
אֵ֖ם
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
חָדְל֧וּ
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
פְרָז֛וֹן
pᵉrâzôwn
H6520
villager
N-ms
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
châdal
H2308
to cease
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עַ֤ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
שַׁ/קַּ֨מְתִּי֙
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
דְּבוֹרָ֔ה
Dᵉbôwrâh
H1683
Deborah
N-proper
שַׁ/קַּ֥מְתִּי
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֵ֖ם
ʼêm
H517
mother
N-fs
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 5:7
חָדְל֧וּ
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
פְרָז֛וֹן
pᵉrâzôwn
H6520
"villager"
N-ms
This term refers to the people living in rural areas or unwalled villages. In the book of 1 Kings, it describes the population of small villages and towns. The word is often translated as 'village' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) rural population, rustics, rural people, people of unwalled villages 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: village. See also: Judges 5:7; Judges 5:11.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
חָדֵ֑לּוּ
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
עַ֤ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
שַׁ/קַּ֨מְתִּי֙
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
דְּבוֹרָ֔ה
Dᵉbôwrâh
H1683
"Deborah"
N-proper
Deborah was a prophetess and judge in the Bible, known for her wisdom and leadership, as told in the book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5.
Definition: A woman living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.4.4; married to Lappidoth (H3941) § Deborah = "bee" 1) the nurse of Rebekah who accompanied her from the house of Bethuel 2) a prophetess who judged Israel
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Deborah. See also: Genesis 35:8; Judges 4:14; Judges 5:15.
שַׁ/קַּ֥מְתִּי
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-1cs
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
אֵ֖ם
ʼêm
H517
"mother"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for 'mother' is used in the Bible to describe a female parent or a maternal figure. It can also refer to the source or origin of something, such as a river or a family. In some cases, it is used figuratively to describe a person's relationship to others.
Definition: 1) mother 1a) of humans 1b) of Deborah's relationship to the people (fig.) 1c) of animals 2) point of departure or division
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: dam, mother, [idiom] parting. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Kings 4:19; Psalms 22:10.
בְּ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Judges 5:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 5:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:7
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:7
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:7
- Sermons on Judges 5:7
Context — The Song of Deborah and Barak
5The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel.
6In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were deserted and the travelers took the byways.
7Life in the villages ceased; it ended in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose, a mother in Israel.
8When they chose new gods, then war came to their gates. Not a shield or spear was found among forty thousand in Israel. 9My heart is with the princes of Israel, with the volunteers among the people. Bless the LORD!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 49:23 | Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.” |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 20:19 | I am among the peaceable and faithful in Israel, but you are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why would you swallow up the LORD’s inheritance?” |
| 3 | Esther 9:19 | This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another. |
| 4 | Judges 4:4–6 | Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. And she would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, where the Israelites would go up to her for judgment. She summoned Barak son of Abinoam from Kedesh in Naphtali and said to him, “Surely the LORD, the God of Israel, is commanding you: ‘Go and march to Mount Tabor, taking with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun. |
| 5 | Romans 16:13 | Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. |
Judges 5:7 Summary
Judges 5:7 tells us that before Deborah arose to lead Israel, life in the villages had come to a standstill. This means that the villages were no longer safe or thriving, and people were living in fear. But when Deborah, a brave and faithful leader, stood up to lead the people, God used her to bring victory and peace to Israel, as seen in Judges 4:23. This reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities, to accomplish great things, just like He used Deborah (as seen in Romans 8:28) and just like He wants to use us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'life in the villages ceased' in Judges 5:7?
This phrase suggests that the villages were no longer thriving or safe, likely due to the oppression of the Canaanites, as seen in Judges 4:2-3, until Deborah arose to lead Israel to victory.
Who is Deborah and why is she called a 'mother in Israel'?
Deborah was a prophet and judge of Israel, as seen in Judges 4:4, and she is called a 'mother in Israel' because of her leadership and care for the people, much like a mother cares for her children, as described in Isaiah 49:23.
What was the state of Israel before Deborah arose to lead them?
Before Deborah arose, Israel was in a state of disarray and fear, with the highways being deserted and travelers taking the byways, as seen in Judges 5:6, and the people had turned to other gods, leading to war at their gates, as mentioned in Judges 5:8.
How does Deborah's leadership relate to the rest of the Bible?
Deborah's leadership is an example of God using unexpected people to accomplish great things, as seen in Judges 5:7, and it points to the ultimate leader, Jesus Christ, who would bring salvation and redemption to God's people, as described in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Matthew 1:21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like 'life has ceased' and I need God to intervene?
- How can I, like Deborah, be a source of hope and leadership for those around me?
- What are some ways I can trust God to use me, even when I feel inadequate or unqualified, like Deborah did?
- How can I apply the lesson of Deborah's leadership to my own life, trusting God to give me wisdom and courage to face challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 5:7
The inhabitants of the villages ceased,.... Not only did those Canaanitish robbers go upon the highway, and robbed all they met with, which made travelling difficult and dangerous; but entered into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 5:7
The inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 5:7
The villages ceased; the people forsook all their unfortified towns, as not being able to protect them from military insolence. A mother, i.e. to be to them as a mother, to instruct, and rule, and protect them, which duties a mother oweth to her children as far as she is able.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 5:7
Judges 5:7 [The inhabitants of] the villages ceased, they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.Ver. 7. The inhabitants of the villages ceased.] As now they do in Hungary, where the Turk wasteth at pleasure. They want but another Hunniades at the heels of them, who fought five times upon one day with the Turks, and five times foiled and put them to flight: and at that famous battle of Vascape, with fifteen thousand soldiers, he overthrew Abedin Bassa with fourscore thousand fighting men. Until that I Deborah arose.] This she speaketh not as vaunting of herself, but to the glory of God, who had made use of her as his unworthy instrument to excite Barak to this expedition. That I arose a mother in Israel.] A mater patrioe, a governess and protectress: such as was our English Deborah, Queen Elizabeth, whose usual saying was that she could believe nothing of her people that parents would not believe of their children. Camden’ s Elisab., 205.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 5:7
(7) The inhabitants of the villages ceased.—The one Hebrew word for “the inhabitants of the villages” is perâzôn. The rendering of our version is supported by the Chaldee, and by the meaning of the analogous words in Deuteronomy 3:5.1 Samuel 6:18, &c. But this cannot be the meaning in Judges 5:11; and it is far more probable that the LXX. (Cod. B) is right in rendering it “princes” (dunatoi; Vulgate, fortes), though the difficulty of the word is shown by its being simply transliterated (phrazon) in the Alexandrine MS. The meaning probably is “warlike chiefs” (comp. Habakkuk 3:14). Luther renders it “peasants.” A mother in Israel.—For this metaphor, comp. 2 Samuel 20:19; Job 29:16; Genesis 45:8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 5:7
Verse 7. The villages ceased] The people were obliged to live together in fortified places; or in great numbers, to protect each other against the incursions of bands of spoilers.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 5:7
7. The rulers ceased] The Targ., Peshitto, Jewish commentators followed by AV., treat the Hebr. pμrβzτn (sing.), found only here and Judges 5:11, as equivalent to pμrβzτth (plur.) = ‘open regions,’ ‘hamlets,’ as opposed to walled towns, Ezekiel 38:11, Zechariah 2:3; hence perβzξ ‘hamlet-dweller’ 1 Samuel 6:18 and, doubtfully, Perizzites Judges 1:5 n. But this rendering inhabitants of villages does not suit Judges 5:11; ‘the righteous acts towards his peasantry’ makes sense in English, but it does not fairly represent the harshness of the Hebrew. Another ancient rendering, is ‘powerful ones,’ LXX. B, Vulgate fortes, rulers, more strictly ‘power,’ ‘rule’; but this, though suitable for Judges 5:11, has no support in usage or etymology. The meaning of the word here and in Judges 5:11 must be left uncertain. In the following words ceased in Israel, they ceased, the repetition of the verb is either accidental, or a clause has dropped out. Until that I Deborah arose] till thou didst arise, Deborah, didst arise etc. The verb is to be taken as 2nd fem. (archaic), on account of the address in Judges 5:12, though the Massoretic scribes intended the form to be 1st pers., as it usually is: LXX, Vulgate 3rd pers., Peshitto, Targ. 1st pers. a mother in Israel] Cf. the use of father in.
Isaiah 22:21; Job 29:16.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 5:7
Render the word “villages” (here and in Judges 5:11) judgment, rule, or judges, rulers. The sense is “The princes (or magistrates) ceased in Israel,” i. e.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 5:7
7. Ceased the government — During the long period of subjection and disorder just described, there ceased to be any government in Israel worthy of the name.
Sermons on Judges 5:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Devil in Your Tent by Carter Conlon | This sermon is a powerful call to all women in the church to rise up and fight the spiritual battles of this time, drawing inspiration from the stories of Deborah and Jael in the b |
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Eternal Values - Seeking God's Kingdom First by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning to trust the Lord and standing on our own feet. He uses the analogy of being carried on a stretcher versus learnin |
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(The Works of Faith) Wait for God to Act by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13. He highlights the strife between their servants and emphasizes the significance of the last sent |
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Winning God's Approval - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God is in control of every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, jobs, and homes. He argues that if God, who runs the univer |
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Acid Test Series 7 of 8 - Waiting on God by Al Whittinghill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of translating truth into living reality. He encourages listeners to make room in their lives for the Word of God and draw nea |
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(Gaining God's Approval) 7. the Testing of David by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the testing of David as a man after God's own heart, highlighting his faithfulness in mundane tasks, concern for God's glory, and refusal to take revenge agai |
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Why the Jew? by Reggie Kelly | Reggie Kelly delves into the profound mystery of 'The Tents of Shem' prophecy, emphasizing the unique role of the priestly people in mediating God's revelation and blessing. He exp |